Arbequina IRTA I-18 olive tree

ABSTRACT

This new invention of an olive tree is characterized by its similarity to the ‘Arbequina Standard’ from which it is a clonal selection from which it is distinguished higher productivity, larger fruit size, better pulp to stone ratio, higher oil yield, and better oil quality. The plants are ideally suited for mechanical harvesting and high density planting. The fruit matures in northern California during the first week of October.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of oliveplant, Olea europaea, and will hereafter be denominated varietally as‘Arbequina IRTA I-18’ and more particularly to a olive plant thatproduces fruit for harvest during the first week of October in theGridley area of the northern Sacramento Valley in California and whichis further distinguished as to novelty by producing a fruit with higherproductivity than ‘Arbequina Standard’ variety. The maturing date inNorthern California is different than in Spain but is materially thesame with better oil quality.

ORIGIN AND ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The ‘Arbequina IRTA I-18’ was originally selected from 110 individualtrees from olive orchards across Spain for possessing superior traits in1986. Four years later, fifteen (15) advanced further selections weremade that possessed superior production and uniformity in ripening. Twoyears later, these advanced selections were propagated vegetatively andplaced in replicated trials. In 1997, the new variety evaluationprovided the information, on its superior traits over the ArbequinaStandard. The new invention was imported into Oregon, USA where it wasgrown and then vegetatively propagated and shipped to Gridley, Calif.Over the past three years propagational trees were provided as rootedcuttings. The fruit produced by these vegetatively propagated trees arein all respects identical to the parent.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

This new variety of olive tree is characterized by having the generalcharacteristics of the ‘Arbequina Standard’ variety with severaldifferences including: semi-erect tree (rather than open), fruit hassmaller pits, higher oil content and larger fruit. Due to the semi-erectstructure and size of this olive tree, it is well suited for mechanicalharvesting and high density planting (i.e., 670 plants/acre).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a color photograph of the olive tree at third leaf (threeyears old).

FIG. 2 is a color photograph of the new invention showing it in thethird leaf displaying it semi-erect in appearance.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph showing a display of the fruit clusters,twigs and branches.

FIG. 4 is a color photograph showing two whole fruits displaying theshape of the fruit (top), a fruit cut in half with seed in place (lowerleft), another fruit cut in half displaying the flesh and pit well(lower right), and a seed in dry state (lower center).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the horticultural details of the new anddistinct variety of olive trees, the following descriptions have beenobserved under the ecological details prevailing at the site of originwhich is located near Gridley, Calif. in the Sacramento Valley ofNorthern California. All major color designations are by reference tothe Dictionary of color by Maerz & Paul, First Edition, 1930. Commoncolors are also employed.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—small, semi-erect. Height: 9-10 feet (274-305 cm.)            Width: 2-3½ feet (61-107 cm.).        -   Vigor.—medium, good.        -   Chilling requirements.—normal for olives.        -   Shape.—upright, semi-erect.        -   Productivity.—excellent.        -   Regularity of bearing.—regular.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—circumference of 6 inches, 11 inches above ground.        -   Surface texture.—smooth.        -   Color.—Plumbago Grey (44-B-4).        -   Lenticels.—Number: scattered, irregularly spaced Size: very            small.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—small, circumference of 2-3 inches (5-8 cm), 15 inches            (38 cm) above crotch.        -   Surface texture.—Mature: smooth Immature: smooth.        -   Color of branches one year or older.—Grey Drab, Quaker Grey            (1-B-1).        -   Color of branches less than one year old (immature).—Light            Grey (36-A-1).        -   Lenticels.—Numbers: few and scattered Size: very small.-   Leaves:    -   -   Configuration.—Leaves on opposite side of the stem.        -   Size.—small Length: 45-49 mm (1.76-1.91 in.) Width: 10-12 mm            (0.39-0.47 inch).        -   Shape.—lancelate.        -   Color.—Upwardly disposed surface: Fir (glossy) (24-E-7)            Downwardly disposed surface: Cosse Green (19-L-5).        -   Marginal form.—entire, complete.        -   Leaf vein.—Color: Chrysolite Green (19-K-3) Thickness: less            than 1 mm (0.039 in.).        -   Glandular characteristics.—none.        -   Petiole.—Size: medium Length: 4-6 mm (0.16-0.23 in.)            Thickness: 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) in diameter Color Code— Palm            Leaf (14-L-1).        -   Stem glands.—none.        -   Stipules.—none.        -   Flower buds.—small Surface texture: slightly pubescent.-   Flowers:    -   -   Date of first bloom.—mid May to end of May.        -   Size.—small, 40-60 mm (0.16 in.-0.24 in.) — numbers do not            add up Petals: Color: White.-   Fruit:    -   -   Date of maturity.—first week of October, in clusters of 2-3.        -   Size.—small, 2.85 grams Diameter: 14-15 mm (0.55-0.59 in.)            Length: 16-18 mm (0.62-0.70 in.).        -   Form.—Uniformity: good Symmetrical or Asymmetric: slightly            asymmetrical Suture: none Stem cavity: Width: 6 mm (0.23            in.) Depth: 3 mm (0.12 in.) Length: 10 mm (0.39 in.)        -   Stem.—Short Caliper: 1.5 mm (0.06 in.)        -   Apex.—rounded.        -   Pistal point.—rounded.        -   Skin.—Thickness: thin Texture: smooth Ground color: From            Byzantium (44-K-7) to Kurdistan (48-A-10) Flesh color:            Tinsel Deepstone (13-L-7) Color of surface of pit cavity:            Sudan (13-E-4) Color of pit well: Sudan (13-E-4).        -   Juice production.—Very Good.        -   Flavor.—very good.        -   Aroma.—none.        -   Texture.—smooth, firm.        -   Fibers.—few.        -   Ripening.—even.        -   Eating quality.—used for oil production and in some cases            for canning.-   Seed:    -   -   Free or cling.—Cling.        -   Fibers.—few.        -   Size.—Length: 12 mm (0.47 inch) Width: 7 mm (0.28 inch)            Thickness: 5 mm (0.20 inch).        -   Form.—Elliptical.        -   Apex shape.—rounded with a point Color (dry): Peruvian Brown            (13-L-11).        -   Base.—rounded.        -   Sides.—slightly asymmetrical.        -   Ridges.—not uniform.        -   Tendency to split.—none known.        -   Use.—olive oil production and in some cases for canning.        -   Keeping and shipping quality.—good.        -   Harvesting.—first week of October.

Chemical Analysis (Characteristics) ‘Arbequina IRTA I-18’

TABLE 1 Virgin Oil Fatty Acid Percentage Percent of Total Oil Type ofFatty Acid Content C16:0 Palmitic Acid 16.0 C16:1 Palmitoleic Acid 1.4C18:0 Esteric Acid 1.5 C18:1 Oleic Acid 71.1 C18:2 Linoleic Acid 7.66C18:3 Linoleic Acid 0.71

-   -   -   M/P ratio (monosaturated fats/polysaturated fats).—6.2 .        -   Polyphenols (ppm catteic acid).—0.25.        -   K225 (bitterness).—0.0125.

1. A new distinct olive plant as described and illustrated that ischaracterized by having the general characteristics of the ‘ArbequinaStandard’ variety but is distinguished therefrom in that it has higherproductivity, larger fruit size, better pulp to stone ratio, and higheroil yield, the plants being ideally suited for mechanical harvesting andhigh density planting, with the fruit maturing in northern California inabout the first week of October.